Have an Idea for a Project?

Do you have an idea for a web or app project?  Not sure how much is will cost?  We have an online form that you can complete to get a quote.  And now, you can get a 10% discount on your project if you begin by completing and submitting this form!

Provide as much information as you can, completing all fields that apply to your project.  We will return a confidential quote within two business days.  You are not locked into anything and your information is always secure*.

That great idea won't go anywhere if you don't get started!  And now, you can get a 10% discount for starting!

*Your project information is confidential and will not be used or shared.  We never sell, distribute or share your contact information!

Website: http://freelanceitsolutions.com
Contact Info

May 2017 Special

For May we are giving 25% off any coding project - HTML5 website, WordPress website, iOS app, Android app, web app...

And if you decide to host your project on our web or cloud servers, we will give you 25% off a service contract too!

For more information, please contact us with a comment below (we will keep you information private and not publish your comment), or through our website contact form.  If you are ready to get a quote for your project, please fill out this information form and we will get back with you withing two business days.

Help Us Help You

When starting a project to either build a new website/app or update an existing website/app, there are questions that any good designer/developer should ask.  With some of the questions, it's easy to understand why the designer/developer needs to know the answer - questions like, "how many forms will you need?" and "will you be accepting payments online."  Others are not so obvious, but are still understandable.  Questions like, "who's your target audience?" are not always expected, but with a little thought, you can figure out why the designer/developer would need to know this. (Note: for the rest of this post "developer" will refer to designers and developers).

But, it seems that there are five questions that always cause confusion - "why do you want to know that??" is often the first response. Below are the five questions and I'll try to explain why these questions are important to a developer when planning your project.

Why do you want the new website/app?
The 'why' is often overlooked.  You want a new site or app and the developer wants to make some money.  So, skip the why, just do.

Maybe you are trying to meet an industry standard or government requirement. With this information, a developer can build the standards/requirements in from the start of the project and check to make sure they are followed during the project.

Also, a good (honest) developer will let you know if your reason for 'why' is even valid.  For example, if you want a new app to rapidly increase sales, your developer should explain that an app can help increase sales, but it is seldom 'rapid.'

What do you think this project will improve?
"I want to improve my image with a new, modern site," or "I want to appeal to younger customers with a mobile app," are totally valid answers.

It is important for your developer to understand what you are trying to improve with your site or app.  Answering this question helps the developer understand your vision for the project.

What are your long-term goals?
This ties into the questions above. It helps the developer to understand more about what you would like out of the project. For example, how long will this app/site be around - are we designing for the future as well as the present? Should we create for expansion or do you see a new project to meet future requirements?

What's the timeline for the project?
A clear timeline for the project needs to be established. What can realistically be completed in that time? If the project cannot be completed in the desired limit, can a scaled down version be developed that meets your needs? If a full version must be completed, can we adjust the timeline? 

What is the budget for this project?
This is somewhat related to the above question. Understandably, the developer is thinking, "Realistically, can I still make a profit AND give the client what they want and in the time they want?" Potential clients fishing around for the best price is understandable. (But don't forget the adage, "you get what you pay for.") Knowing your budget will help the developer know what he/she can realistically deliver.

These questions are often difficult for the developer to ask.  And I find that often, the client has not given them much consideration.  But, the discussion and answers to these questions will help the developer-client relationship and improve the outcome of the project.

March 2017 Special - It's a Redo!

Our February special was such a hit that we decided to do it again for March!  So, if you liked it last month and missed out... here's your chance again! Get 20% off the development of a custom mobile application when paired with the development of a website or web application!


Contract with us in the month of March to create a new website or web application and get a 20% discount on the development of a companion mobile application.

For more information, contact us at questions@freelanceitsolutions.com
If you would like to get a quote for your project, you may start by using this link.  We will review the information and get back with you within 24 hours.

Also, visit the website for a look at out portfolio and testimonials.

Chat App Demo

Here's a little demo that I recently complete that shows how a business could implement a chat
app on their website.

The Chat App uses sessions to keep track of the visitors using the app - for the demo, there is a Representative and a Guest.

The web application can be customized for use on your website.  It would allow clients and potential clients to contact you for help and information.   If you have an employee at the computer or answering the phones, they could also monitor the app for active users.

For a production version, you could keep track of client information, guest names and/or email addresses, etc.  And the complete conversation is saved to a database for future reference.  The app can also be set up to allow the guest/client/visitor to have a transcript of the conversation send to their email.

To try the demo, visit our site at: http://demos.freelanceitsolutions.com/myChat/
You will find information and directions on this page as well.

If you have any questions on how this app could be set up and customized for your site, please contact us.  You can also comment below.  We will not publish comments that include personal or business contact information.

New App Mockups and A/B Testing

Below are some mockup screenshots for a new mobile application we are developing.  First, I'm just kind-of showing them off.  But also, I'd like to know which set you prefer.  Please comment below with "White and Red" or "Black and Yellow" to indicate your choice.  ~Thanks 😊

Black and Yellow	White and Red

Generate Truly Random Numbers for the Lottery

Today in the office we were discussing whether the different lottery game systems generate a truly random set of numbers where you play 'quick pick.'  We had different opinions.  But, it got me thinking about creating an app to do just that - generate a truly random set of numbers for lotto games... and then I went ahead and wrote the app.  https://goo.gl/vbg4zu

The app allows you to specify how many numbers you need and the range of numbers (example, 6 numbers in the range of 1 through 53).  If the game you want to play also has a 'special ball,' like the PowerBall game, you can have the app generate that number as well.  Check it out at this link: https://goo.gl/vbg4zu

Next, I'm planning to use this to create apps for iOS and Android devices.  Stay tuned for links to the mobile apps.

This was a fun, quick app to create.  And it's meant for fun only!  You can use it to generate your numbers.  But, it will in no way help you win any lottery game!!

For developers: this app is written using raw Javascript to generate the numbers.  HTML/CSS for the UI.

September Special

We have been busy!  August was non-stop fun around here - cool client project, our own inspired creations... just no time for new thing and so, (as you may have noticed) no August special.

Now we are wrapping up projects and ready to take on new challenges in September - so bring us your ideas!

But what's the September special?  I don't know... I've thought quite a bit about it and I'm just not sure what to offer.  So, this month you choose the special!

You can choose from any special we've offered so far this year OR choose a service that has not had a special associated with it yet this year and get a 25% discount.

If you have an idea for a website, web app or mobile app tell us about it and we will give you a free bid for developing that site/app.  Then you can apply any special to it.  And consultations are always free!

Be sure to visit our site for more about our services, read testimonials, and see our portfolio.

July Special - This One's Big!

We are going all out this month!  Contract for a web application and get a mobile version for free!

There are tons of stats out there showing that most web traffic originates on mobile devices today.  An effective mobile strategy involves more than just a mobile friendly website.  And mobile applications are not just for large companies anymore. Look around, more and more small, local businesses are developing their own mobile applications - sign shops, spas, coffee shops, bakeries, auto repair shops and more have realized the benefits of an app.

What are the benefits? There are many, but just to scrap the surface...

1. Build brand recognition.
2. Improve customer engagement.
3. Increase customer loyalty.
4. Direct communication with customers.

This month, get these benefits free when you contract for a website with an app or a web application that we add to your current site.

Please contact us for more information:
Visit our website: http://freelanceitsolutions.com
Comment here.
Call: 407-259-2856

Restrictions may apply, contact us for full details.

May Special

In May we are offering 25% off the quoted price for all mobile applications.*

How it works:

1) contact us for a quote. Tell us about your mobile application idea – DO NOT tell us that you know about this special.

2) We will send you a quote for your review.

3) If you would like to proceed with your project, give us the promo code MAY2016 and we will take 25% off the quoted price we sent you. (If you don't remember the code, it's really not a big deal. Just tell us about this post and where you saw it).

Did you get a quote on your project earlier this year? You are not left out! Contact us about a quote we provided you January – April 2016 and we will extend this offer to you as well!

Contact us by phone at 407-259-2856 use the sales extension.

Or online at http:www.freelanceitsolutions.com/pages/contact_us.phphttp:www.freelanceitsolutions.com/pages/contact_us.php

*To take advantage of this offer, you must contract for your application in May, 2016. This offer is good for all quotes provided January through May, 2016. This offer is not good for projects in progress or already completed – sorry.

Question of the Week (Something New)

I spend a lot of time online looking at statistics... how often do people access sites on their
phone vs. a computer, % of sales online vs. brick-and-mortar, how many people drive red cars... blah, blah, blah.

Now, out of curiosity, I'm going to start something new, the QoftheW - "Question of the Week." (I might not actually get one out once a week). Please use the comment area to answer the question, if you want. You can make your answer as long or as short as you want.  Give it a little humor or be very serious.  Tell me why your are answering the way you are, or don't.  The whole thing is up to you and is meant to be fun, while also gathering a little data.

The week after each question is asked, I will post the results (if appropriate) for each question that I've posted across several social media sites and through email.

This weeks question: "What was the last app you used on your phone or tablet that WAS NOT a social media app (like Facebook, Twitter, etc.)?"

Editable Tables

This week's post is about adding functionality to your website or web application.  Specifically, we are going to take a quick look at editable tables.

Tables are very useful when it comes to looking at information in an organized way.  They have an obvious layout which makes them easy to use - usually.  But, often with tables on websites, you get just a table.  You can not reorganize the table to better view the information you want.  And if information needs to be changed... forget it.

Well, not so fast!  With modern browsers, some JavaScript, and some PHP on the back-end, you CAN have sortable, re-organizable, editable tables right on your website - think "spreadsheet."  Yes, with the right developer creating the right code, you can even have the tables update and recalculate numbers.

The animation here shows a simple table of clients (made up).  The company name for one of the clients is being updated.

This is just a simple example for this blog post.  As mentioned above, the functionality of an editable table can be like a spreadsheet application.  Your website can be more than just a place to display information.  It can be an interactive, truly useful application.

If you have an idea for making your website more interactive and useful (for you and/or your visitors), please feel free to contact us at questions@freelanceitsolutions.com.  You can also visit the Freelance I.T. Solutions website at http://www.freelanceitsolutions.com. :)

Recently Completed Project for Disney

We recently completed a project for Disney. The project requirements:

• Paper forms had to be reproduced as on-line forms. Every effort had to be made to make the on-line forms look like the paper forms, so that they would look familiar to the applicants.
• Potential applicants would be required to pass an eligibility test to access the forms.
• The system had to save form data so that applicants could come back to the forms as often as needed.
• Once all forms are completed, applicant submit the forms, Disney personnel receives an email notification and applicants receive an email with instructions on how to continue the application process.
• After the forms are submitted, PDF versions are generated. The PDFs must be available for Disney personnel and the applicant to view, download, and print.
• The entire application had to be secure.

Slide show with screen shots here: http://www.freelanceitsolutions.com/pages/portfolio_disney2014.php

Add a Count-Down Timer to Your 'Call-to-Action' Campaigns

Count down timers are a great way to add urgency to sales campaigns. We've created an application that you can add to your website or used on Facebook to setup and insert a counter.

 

View the demo here. You can purchase the app as-is or we can customize it for your needs.

Appointment / Scheduling Application

Recently we completed an online appointment system, which is part one of a three part application we are creating for a client in Portland, Maine. 

The application is a secure, password protected system used by the staff to keep track of appointments. It also tracks client information and develops reports based on that information.

This application is highly customizable. Beginning with the same base code, we can build a similar, customized application for your business.

The image below is a close up of the left side of the calendar display. In this image notice the 'date control' buttons. The left and right button will move one day, week or month; depending on the current calendar view. If you are not on the current day, the 'today' button will take you there in any view. The 'go to date' button...

… will bring up this calendar. You can use it to quickly go to any day or month in any year.

To create a 'new appointment,' simply click the starting time on the calendar. We can create a custom form to gather the information you need for your appointments. This image shows the form created for this client.

Clicking an appointment in any calendar view will bring up the 'edit appointment' form. Again this form can be customized to your needs. For this client, we pre-filled the 'new appointment' form. The form can be used to update/change any information for the appointment or also to delete the appointment.

Also notice in this close up image that the employees are each assigned a color. In the schedule, employees can quickly see which appointments are assigned to them. When customizing the scheduler application for you, colors could signify different types of appointments, different projects, different assignments – essentially, anything you need.

  In this close up view, note the four 'view' buttons. There are the three buttons familiar to most calendar systems – month, week, and day. (Screen shots of these views follow). Also notice the custom button 'seating.' This client needed to track appointments by their seating arrangement. Other possible custom view might be appointments by personnel, appointments by client type, or anything you may need.

  As seen earlier, this is the 'seating' view for appointments. Business open and close time ranges can be set and, if needed, only those hours will be displayed. These hour settings are carried over to other views.

The 'week' view can be set to start on any day your business might use. For example, some businesses are closed on Mondays. In that case, this view can show the week starting on Tuesday. Another customization would be to remove weekends from this view.

When in the month view, the 'new appointment' and 'edit appointment' forms are available, as in the other views.

The 'day' view has all the same functionality of the other views.

In this close up image, notice the two, small lines at the bottom of the appointment. By clicking and holding, you can drag the end of the appointment up or down, changing the appointment ending time. You can also click and hold on the 'time header' of the appointment and move it. Doing this you can change the start time, the date, and (in this version) the seat of the appointment.

If you have a business that could benefit from an application like this appointment / schedule application, please contact Freelance I.T. Solutions by visiting our website or calling 407-259-2856.

Author: Russ Thompson (russ@freelanceitsolutions.com) - Freelance I.T. Solutions

What to Expect...

Hello! This is Russ, commonly known all over the web as "seveninstl" (I used to live 'in St. Louis'). I have been programming for more than 10 years. I started programming applications for the Windows operating system - usually programs that were to be used in-house by my employers. For the past eight years or so, I've been focused mostly on web applications, web page design, and increasing web functionality.

This blog will be about technology... computer related technology to be more specific. I hope to address some common questions about the Internet, web pages, programming, etc. This blog will not be targeted at hardware or computer repair issues. Although you may find some information scattered throughout the entries.

My goal here is to help non-technical people understand (hopefully in plan English) the terminology and workings of the Internet and more generally of computer programs. Each week I will post an article on some issue or aspect of programming. I also wish to invite the readers to ask questions. I will make every attempt to respond to each question asked.

I will begin next week (May 17 - 23, '09) with an article about 'net neutrality.' This is an issue that many have heard of but few understand just what it means to the average web user.

So please, check in next week for my first article. And if you have a question or subject you would like to have addressed, please use the 'comment' area below to make your request.

~Russ